Ripe Acquires Schofields to Enter Holiday Homes Market
Manchester-based digital managing general agent Ripe has agreed to acquire Schofields Limited, an insurance provider focused on holiday homes. The transaction represents Ripe's third acquisition and marks its entry into the holiday homes sector.
The deal adds Schofields' 10,000 policyholders to Ripe's existing leisure insurance operations, which cover motorhomes, caravans, park homes, golf and boat insurance.
Schofields provides cover for holiday properties in the UK and overseas.
The transaction remains subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions. EY provided legal and tax advice to Ripe, while K3 Capital Group delivered corporate finance advisory and legal services to Schofields.
Family business to continue under existing leadership
Schofields was established in 1984 as a family-run operation based in Bolton. Jonathan and Philip Schofield, who have led the business for the past two decades, will remain in their positions following the acquisition. Keith Schofield will continue as a consultant during the ownership transition.
The company received a Gold Trusted Service Award from Feefo in 2025. The business operates what it describes as a personalised service model for specialist holiday homes insurance across its four-decade history in the sector.
The acquisition extends Ripe's presence in leisure insurance markets. The digital MGA has completed two previous transactions as part of its growth strategy.
Technology and marketing focus
Alan Thomas, who serves as CEO of Ripe, says the acquisition creates an opportunity to apply the company's digital infrastructure to Schofields' operations.
“This deal is another exciting new chapter for Ripe as we enter the holiday homes insurance market,” he says. “Schofields has built an exceptional reputation over four decades, and we're pleased to welcome their team and policyholders to the Ripe family.”
Thomas says the company will deploy its technology and marketing resources to support Schofields' expansion.
“We will use our technology and marketing expertise to further drive Schofields' growth while maintaining the exceptional customer service that has established their reputation as a trusted and successful provider,” he says.
The holiday homes insurance sector represents a new market for the MGA, which has built its business around leisure products requiring specialist underwriting knowledge.
Ripe positions itself as a digital managing general agent serving leisure insurance markets.
“We will use our technology and marketing expertise to further drive Schofields' growth while maintaining the exceptional customer service that has established their reputation as a trusted and successful provider”
Keith Schofield, who founded the company and holds a majority shareholding, says the transaction positions the business for its next phase.
“After 40 years we believe Ripe are the right stewards to take Schofields forwards,” he says. “This partnership combines our trusted specialist approach with Ripe's innovative technology and digital capabilities, creating exciting opportunities for new and existing customers.”